Checkers Sign Greger Hanson To PTO

To help fill out their group of forwards heading into this four-game week, the Checkers have signed Greger Hanson to a professional tryout contract.

The 29-year-old Hanson ranks second on the Allen Americans in scoring with 71 points in 52 games, tying him for sixth in the ECHL, while his 33 goals are tied for fourth in the league. The Swede has helped the Americans capture each of the last two Kelly Cups, earning playoff MVP honors in 2014-15, and has become an elite scorer in the ECHL over his six-year career, totaling 170 points (76g, 94a) in 145 games with Allen, Cincinnati and Greenville.

Hanson has logged 48 AHL games along the way, compiling 12 points (5g, 7a) in 48 games with Worcester, Oklahoma City, San Jose and Utica, as well as stints with San Diego, Chicago and Binghamton this season alone. He also spent two season in the CHL with Allen and Wichita after playing his rookie year in his native country’s second-highest pro league. Prior to turning pro, Hanson spent four seasons at Northern Michigan University.

The move to bring on Hanson comes at a time when the Checkers are dealing with an influx of missing bodies up front. Clark Bishop joined the injured contingent over the weekend, while Brendan Woods and Lucas Wallmark missed Monday morning’s practice for unknown reasons. Charlotte is also awaiting the return of Bryan Bickell and Danny Kristo to game action, as the former joined Monday’s practice wearing a yellow no-contact jersey and the latter was a full participant for the first time since getting hurt.